Match Report: 1stXV v Diss

CHILTERN COMFORTABLY SEE OFF DISS TO RECORD A BONUS POINT VICTORY

The two sides had been due to play their league match 3 weeks ago when the weather was 18 degrees and sunny – not so today which saw driving rain in a stygian gloom welcome the visitors from Norfolk.

Handling was always going to be at a premium today and two dropped passes gave Diss solid field position in Chiltern’s 22 and a scrum offence gave the visitors the opportunity to kick the resulting penalty and a 3-0 lead. From then on Chiltern were in control although the heavy Diss pack never gave an inch and were happy to pick and go whenever they had the ball in hand. Chiltern worked their up field and after Diss had offended and from the short lineout, Chiltern set up a series of drives before scrum half Teddy Reus, who enjoyed an excellent game in the conditions, spotted a gap and dived over for the first try. Playing against the wind in the first half, kicking was never easy and the conversion was missed.

However Chiltern were dominant in the loose play and their handling was generally admirable in the. Another strong drive gave hooker Joe Batt they opportunity to extend their lead to 8-3 with a try which was again unconverted.

Diss came again but having lost possession on the their own 10m line Joe Butler saw winger Michael Brothers, who ran strongly and elusively all game, racing up the left wing. A delicately weighted kick was needed and duly made and Brothers had the pace to touch down for the host’s third try.

Concentration was a little lacking as half time approached and Diss were able to cross the line for their only try so 15-8 to Chiltern at the interval.

With wind now more in their favour Chiltern used it sensibly regularly gaining good field position. However although Diss made a strong run up field they were stripped of the ball which was worked out quickly and a lovely miss pass saw Monty Weatherall outflank the Diss defence to cross for the 4th and bonus point try which he converted himself.

Shortly afterwards we saw the best try of the game. A long mazy run by Butler was well supported by Ben Pothecary who found Brothers in good position to score his second try.
With the forwards excellent in the loose Chiltern tried hard to entertain the wet and miserable crowd and quick hands gave Dan Kingsley room to make the line for another try. As the clock ticked away Kingsley was again on hand to slice through the middle of the defence and his well judged kick ahead gave him room to regather the ball and dive over for a try under the posts which was converted to leave the score at a very satisfactory 38-9 to Chiltern.

A bonus point victory was very satisfying and leaves the team in good heart as they face the daunting trip to Colchester who lie second in the league having only lost so far to run away leaders Rochford.